Three individuals, three crisscrossed destinies and a crucial 24 hours - this sums up the storyline of Vasudev Sanal’s ‘God’s Own Country’ that hits the screens this weekend. The film follows three distraught men who land in Kochi for various reasons. The threesome has dissimilar backgrounds and motives, but are driven by some strong impulse. “Among them are a husband, father and lawyer. The film shows how they brave through the day solving their issues,” says the director.
‘God’s Own Country’, set against the bustling cityscape, comes with a storyline strongly entwined in contemporary social issues. Fahad Fazil plays Manu, an NRI settled in Dubai. “He relocates to UAE following an inter-caste marriage. Certain unexpected incidents force him to take this trip back to Kerala,” he adds. Sreenivasan plays advocate Mathews Tharakan who is the public prosecutor for a controversial case involving some influential people. He is a man who stands up for justice and doesn’t budge from his principles come what may. Lal plays Mohammad, a taxi driver, “he is someone you meet every other day, a layman. He is a father whose calculations go wrong and he ends up in the city to sort out an issue for his daughter,” he says.
Vasudev says though the film has the tempo of a thriller it also involves drama and romance. “Since the three lead characters are headed to somewhere, it also has the traits of a road movie. But basically ‘God’s Own Country’ is the kind of film all sections of viewers can enjoy.” The film has an innovative craft in terms of technique and narrative pattern. “The characters have three different paces and that rhythm is reflected in the making. They all share equal reel space,” he says.
The film also boasts of a strong female front featuring an array of artists. While Isha Talwar plays Asha, Manu’s wife, Mythili plays Abhirami, a feminist writer. Lena plays Reena, a housewife who later frees herself from the fetters of domesticity. Sudheer Karamana, Manikuttan, Nandu, Jayaraj Warrier, Sreeraman, Lakshmipriya and Saddique are also part of the cast.
Vasudev adds that more than being a mere tourism tagline, God’s Own Country indicates a sense of positivity. “The title is not used in a totally sarcastic way. As the narrative unfolds you will come to know of its fairness and aptness,” he adds.